Barnaby Joyce

The Nationals Member For New England

Roads for Tamworth's future

07 Mar 2014

Joint Media Statement

Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Agriculture, Federal Member for New England

Col Murray, Tamworth Regional Council Mayor

LOCAL roads are set to benefit thanks to the Coalition Government’s five-year, $1.75 billion extension of the Roads to Recovery Programme.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss joined Minister for Agriculture and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce and Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Col Murray at the Tamworth Saleyards today to outline how future projects would boost the local economy.

Mr Truss said Tamworth and the wider region was in line to benefit from the programme.

“Roads to Recovery supports maintenance of the nation’s local road infrastructure network, improving access, safety and the economies of local communities,” Mr Truss said.

“On the ground here in Tamworth, a scheduled upgrade to Phoenix Street will link the Tamworth Regional Lifestock Exchange to Goddard Lane, improving access for B-triples.

“The project is worth more than $350,000 and will be fully Federally funded through the Roads to Recovery programs – a huge help to the local Council and the operators of the saleyards.”

Mr Joyce said transport infrastructure was vital to Australian agriculture, with the industry relying on an efficient and well-connected network to move livestock and produce.

“The saleyards make an important contribution to the Tamworth economy and this upgrade will increase business opportunities for graziers and transporters. I am pleased we have been able to successfully lobby for this project.”

Cr Murray said Tamworth Regional Council had currently scheduled the Phoenix Street upgrade to be fully funded as part of next financial year’s Roads to Recovery funding allocation.

“Tamworth Regional Council is working closely with the Australian Government to deliver projects that make a real difference locally,” Cr Murray said.